Chapter 203
If it weren’t for Lin Qingyang’s shameless reminder, everyone would have indeed gathered to watch Yue Chen and Huo Luo’s recent scene.
The princes’ study companions greeted Yue Chen and Huo Luo one by one before returning to their own courtyards. When Pei Jin left, her expression was blank.
In theory, Xu Wenze was the one most familiar with Huo Luo and Yue Chen here, but at this moment, he truly felt a sense of disorientation, as if all the colors were gradually fading from his body.
Xu Wenze had always thought these two were good friends and partners. Huo Luo often joked about Yue Chen being his brother-in-law, and both of them had a fondness for women, especially Yue Chen, who often flirted with them, being charming and flirtatious.
But just now, he witnessed these two engaging in such intimate behavior in front of everyone, which was a bit beyond Xu Wenze’s ability to handle.
Despite being the most knowledgeable about propriety and etiquette, Xu Wenze was so shocked that he blurted out, “You… you two are together?”
Caught off guard by the question from his familiar comrade, Yue Chen, who was already out of sorts due to the earlier events, was suddenly reminded of everything that had just happened. For the first time, he panicked and hastily denied, “No.”
But at the same time, Huo Luo responded, “Yes.”
Yue Chen looked at Huo Luo in astonishment, and Huo Luo decisively turned to look at Yue Chen, reaffirming, “Yes.”
Yue Chen was momentarily speechless, just staring blankly at Huo Luo.
After hearing this, Xu Wenze could only stutter, “Th-that’s… that’s good…”
Huo Luo nodded, seemingly taking Xu Wenze’s words as a blessing.
However, he didn’t notice that Xu Wenze suddenly seemed to remember something, his expression changing slightly, but he hesitated to speak, showing an awkwardness.
Yue Chen, however, did notice. His expression also changed momentarily, as if the bubble of his fantasy had been burst before it could fully inflate.
Because of Xu Wenze’s expression, reminding Yue Chen of what had happened before.
After Huo Luo left with Mo Jiahui, Madam Huo had already given some hints to relatives and friends, including the Yue family and Duke Wei Guo’s residence.
So, he and Xu Wenze also heard that Madam Huo planned to arrange a banquet after Huo Luo and Mo Jiahui returned, officially arranging the engagement between the two. After all, it was acceptable for Mo Jiahui, as an only daughter, to temporarily stay at the Huo residence, but staying for an extended period would tarnish her reputation. Such an arrangement was also tacitly understood by everyone.
Xu Wenze had happily gone to ask Yue Chen if he wanted to prepare a gift in advance, as they were good friends. Naturally, he wanted to give a thoughtful gift.
But now, seeing this scene, not only was Xu Wenze embarrassed, but Yue Chen, who realized what had just happened, also quickly turned pale.
Xu Wenze awkwardly said, “Oh, by the way, I heard you two have achieved great success again. Congratulations! You’ll be promoted again this time.”
“So, I’ve asked you all to to drink and celebrate,” Huo Luo echoed the excuse Yue Chen had prepared earlier.
Now that Yue Chen and Huo Luo had received the emperor’s token, they could enter and leave the palace at any time and even stay there overnight if necessary, which was very convenient.
So, they quickly set up a feast in Xu Wenze’s courtyard. The first to get drunk were Xu Wenze and Lin Qingyang.
Xu Wenze was still in shock, so he ended up drinking too much. Lin Qingyang, knowing that getting drunk would facilitate their conversation, also let loose and drank more. After feeling that he had drunk enough, he conscientiously returned to his room to rest.
When there were only three people left in the courtyard, the first thing Yue Chen and Huo Luo did was to kneel down and express their gratitude to Chu Lishu.
They wouldn’t forget that Chu Lishu had intended to reveal his identity to Ning Ziheng in order to save Yue Chen.
In the eyes of Yue Chen and Huo Luo, Chu Lishu was their superior, and what he had done was extremely dangerous. So, even if he hadn’t made that exchange, it would have been understandable. But his choice to save them made Yue Chen and Huo Luo even more touched. Previously, they admired and followed him, but now they felt even more devoted and loyal.
Chu Lishu didn’t say much on the surface, but deep down, he was quite surprised by his own choice at that moment. It was something the past Yuan Ran would have done, not the current Chu Lishu.
The three of them quickly discussed business matters and other plans for the future.
After finishing the business matters, night had fallen. Yue Chen and Huo Luo were supposed to leave, but Yue Chen suddenly spoke up, “Huo Luo, you go back to the outer residence first. I have something to discuss with His Highness. I’ll come back on my own later.”
Huo Luo was taken aback and instinctively said, “I’ll wait for you and leave together.” Why couldn’t he hear whatever Yue Chen had to say?
But Yue Chen suddenly spoke with a serious tone, “I need to speak with His Highness alone. You go ahead.”
Huo Luo felt a lump in his throat as he looked at Chu Lishu.
But Chu Lishu was lost in thought, completely ignoring them as if letting them decide for themselves.
With no other choice, Huo Luo could only leave.
It wasn’t until Huo Luo departed that Yue Chen breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, Chu Lishu also stood up, indicating his intention to leave.
“Your… Your Highness?” Yue Chen called out awkwardly.
Chu Lishu raised an eyebrow. “Using me as an excuse, aren’t you just wanting some time alone to calm down? You don’t need me to stay for that.”
Yue Chen felt even more embarrassed. Indeed, nothing escaped the eyes of His Highness.
“Your Highness, how do you view the matter between me and Huo Luo?” Yue Chen suddenly asked.
Chu Lishu was somewhat speechless. Since when did a ruler have to meddle in the love lives of his subordinates? Couldn’t they handle their own feelings? They were truly useless.
“Yue Chen, you’re a smart person. You can get whatever you want. Why bother worrying? Huo Luo has long been within your grasp. Can’t you see that?” Chu Lishu said before getting up and leaving, walking into Lin Qingyang’s courtyard without another word.
Yue Chen, feeling powerless, chuckled. His former Royal Highness would never have spoken so freely. Perhaps only someone who had experienced great calamities could be so insightful and free from constraints.
Chu Lishu came to Lin Qingyang’s bedside and skillfully lay down. Lin Qingyang stirred slightly. “Why are you here?”
Chu Lishu smiled. “I have something to tell you…” He then turned the awkward situation between Yue Chen and Huo Luo into a bedtime story for Lin Qingyang, conveniently allowing himself to spend the night here.
As Lin Qingyang listened, he became more alert. “It’s normal for Yue Chen to have concerns. Despite his carefree demeanor, he’s actually quite sensitive, especially towards those he cares about. He would be even more considerate of their feelings and situation, especially with Huo Luo. The Huo family… after all, they are a family of military generals with strict rules, and this generation only has Huo Luo. Moreover, there’s Mo Jiahui, who is in line with the Huo family’s wishes.”
If it weren’t for so many concerns, as mentioned in the original plot, Yue Chen wouldn’t have had to watch Huo Luo get married and have children, while he remained lonely and eventually grew old alone. Although the Yue family didn’t have the urgent need for heirs like the Huo family did, an outstanding successor would undoubtedly be closely watched. It’s difficult to choose to live a lifetime alone under such pressure.
Moreover, with their strong emotional foundation, if Yue Chen were to express his feelings, Huo Luo, with his character, would surely make an effort to accept his good brother. However, Yue Chen never mentioned it, and there were no traces of it in the original plot. Huo Luo would never know that his childhood friend had feelings for him. It can be said that Yue Chen’s feelings for Huo Luo were so deep that they made it difficult for him to take a step forward.
By the time Lin Qingyang finished her chatter, Chu Lishu had already fallen asleep, holding his arm. Lin Qingyang felt awkward. How did it happen that they were often sleeping together recently? It had become so normal for him that he dealt with it indifferently.
Lin Qingyang tucked Chu Lishu in, couldn’t help but think, if he were to encounter a situation like Yue Chen and Huo Luo, he probably wouldn’t find it difficult. He would only care about whether that person had feelings for him.
Outside, Yue Chen had another drink alone before getting up and leaving.
But as soon as he stepped out of the Wenbo Pavilion, he saw someone leaning against the palace wall across the street.
Yue Chen’s heart skipped a beat when he saw Huo Luo slowly emerging from the shadows, frowning. “Finished talking?”
“Why haven’t you left?”
“I’m worried.”
“What could happen in the palace…”
“I was worried that you’d think our kiss didn’t happen.” Huo Luo said bluntly. After all, they had been constantly busy with other matters before, and he hadn’t had the chance to speak sincerely. He had just been driven away by Yue Chen, how could he leave? So, he simply waited in front of the gate, hoping for an opportunity.
Yue Chen couldn’t help but rub his temples when he heard this.
Huo Luo immediately asked, “What’s with that expression?”
“I still want to ask you, how could you dare to bring up this matter after what you did?” Yue Chen said in a low voice.
Huo Luo’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he said directly, “I don’t know what you’re trying to say, but I’ll say it now: Yue Chen, let’s be together. I didn’t bring the jade pendant today, but I’ll bring it to you tomorrow when I return home.”
Yue Chen stiffened all over, looking directly at Huo Luo. “When did you start having these thoughts?”
Huo Luo cleared his throat. “I started thinking that way from the moment we returned from Huzhou and I first gave you the jade pendant.”
“Oh? But you seemed hesitant at that time.”
“That was because I wasn’t sure about your feelings,” Huo Luo frowned.
“So, you’re still not sure now, right?”
Huo Luo spoke earnestly, “It’s different now. This time, I know I can’t do without you, Yue Chen. Although I’m not as clever as you, I’m not stupid either. I know, deep down, you have feelings for me.”
Yue Chen chuckled dryly after hearing this, then suddenly stepped forward, towering over Huo Luo, exerting an intimidating presence that even overwhelmed Huo Luo.
“You’re right,” Yue Chen’s voice grew deeper, his gaze turning fierce. With one hand cradling Huo Luo’s face, he gently brushed his thumb against Huo Luo’s lips, momentarily leaving Huo Luo stunned.
In an instant, Huo Luo suddenly understood the desire in Yue Chen’s eyes. It was the most primal desire of a man. Initially, it was just teasing and not serious, but now it seemed like a trapped beast had been set free. Yue Chen looked at him with a raw, naked possessiveness in his gaze, instantly making Huo Luo feel flushed all over.
It turned out that just one look from Yue Chen could make him lose his composure. Why hadn’t he noticed before? Or was it because Yue Chen had hidden such looks so well, never allowing him to see them?
“Yue Chen…” Huo Luo suddenly found himself lost in the desire to embrace Yue Chen.
Yue Chen spoke up, “Do you really understand? The dynamics between men? Can your impulsive affection and fear for my safety truly overcome this barrier?”
Huo Luo’s expression stiffened. “You’re saying this now, after I kissed you?”
“You never really thought about it, did you? You always act on impulse, your mind is simple,” Yue Chen said coldly, releasing Huo Luo. Seeing him about to retort, he continued, “Huo Luo, ten days. If your feelings remain unchanged after ten days, then we’ll be together.”
In ten days, Mo Jiahui would return, and the Huo family’s engagement would inevitably be arranged. This was the grace period Yue Chen gave to Huo Luo.
After saying this, Yue Chen turned and left. Huo Luo stood still, feeling somewhat saddened. He didn’t quite understand why, despite their mutual affection, it felt like there was still a huge barrier between them.
The next morning, Huo Luo discovered that Yue Chen had already left on his own. Feeling gloomy, Huo Luo returned home. The Huo family didn’t reprimand him for leaving the two girls behind, considering his recent heroic deeds. They saw it as an honor, and escorts had been arranged for the two girls, so there was no need to worry. In a few days, they would return to the capital, so Madam Huo thought it was time to have a talk with Huo Luo.
Huo Luo, upon hearing that the Huo family had already begun preparations, suddenly understood the meaning behind Yue Chen’s deadline from the previous night. He felt a surge of frustration, unsure whether he was frustrated with his own situation or with Yue Chen’s attitude.
“I won’t marry Miss Mo,” Huo Luo declared, intending to go find Yue Chen.
However, he was intercepted by Madam Huo, who, along with all the women of the household, tried to persuade him fervently. They even invoked the ancestors of the Huo family. Some felt that Huo Luo was rejecting Miss Mo because of her disfigurement, and reprimanded him for judging people by their appearance. In the end, Huo Luo was so overwhelmed by the arguments that he could only use his lightness skill to fly away.
Arriving at Yue’s residence, Huo Luo learned that Yue Chen had gone to the Inspection Court.
Huo Luo could clearly sense that Yue Chen was avoiding him, even keeping his whereabouts secret from him. Meanwhile, the Huo family persisted in their efforts, believing that perhaps Huo Luo was just being stubborn and needed some coaxing. After all, in ancient times, parental arrangements and matchmaking were highly regarded. Even if he didn’t love her, marrying Miss Mo could provide her with a good home, which the Huo family favored.
Feeling utterly helpless, Huo Luo turned to Chu Lishu for help.
Xu Wenze’s reminder finally reminded Huo Luo of Madam Huo’s preparations to invite relatives and friends to a banquet. They had all received invitations, disguised as a regular gathering, but everyone understood the real intention—to corner him into marriage. In such a setting, it would be difficult for Huo Luo to refuse.
Huo Luo hadn’t expected his mother to be so persistent even after his refusal. It seemed she didn’t take his opinion seriously at all. Huo Luo could only turn to Chu Lishu for help.
Chu Lishu hadn’t anticipated having to deal with such troubles for his subordinate. If he were already the emperor, a decree could easily resolve the issue. He didn’t mind being the villain in this scenario, but for now…
In the end, Chu Lishu could only offer advice to Huo Luo, which made Lin Qingyang twitch at the corner of his mouth and furrowed Xu Wenze’s brow. However, Huo Luo looked at Chu Lishu with admiration.
After accepting this ingenious plan, Huo Luo seemed to think of something else. He earnestly invited Lin Qingyang for a private conversation.
Feeling curious, Lin Qingyang followed. However, when he heard Huo Luo’s serious question, he was left dumbfounded. An hour later, with a determined look on his face, Huo Luo left while Lin Qingyang blushed and went back in a daze.
Chu Lishu inquired, but Lin Qingyang felt awkward and refused to say a word. He never expected Huo Luo to make such a decisive move. Admiringly, he realized that Huo Luo’s feelings were definitely not inferior to those of Yue Chen.
Although Chu Lishu was a bit displeased with Lin Qingyang’s secrecy, he didn’t push him further. They only left the palace when they received Huo Luo’s invitation to attend the Huo family’s banquet. After returning home briefly, they noticed that Shuncai immediately pulled Lin Qingyang aside to speak mysteriously.
Now Chu Lishu couldn’t bear it anymore. He was about to find an opportunity to get the answer, but Lu Yi directly provided it. With a calm demeanor, Lu Yi also looked surprised as he told Chu Lishu about Huo Luo’s nocturnal visit here to find Shuncai and take away several books and jars of ointment treasured by Lin Qingyang.
Chu Lishu was also somewhat surprised, but what surprised him even more was that Lin Qingyang had secretly kept these things. Chu Lishu couldn’t help but find it amusing; it seemed that it was his fault again for letting Lin Qingyang feel so lonely.
At the banquet, Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang sat with Xu Wenze and Yue Chen. Xu Wenze wasn’t good at lying to friends, and knowing what was about to happen made him restless. Fortunately, Yue Chen was also not fully present today, completely oblivious to Xu Wenze’s unease.
The banquet began quickly, with Huo Luo surrounded by his family and having no chance to come over and greet them. He sat at the head table, with Mo Jiahui seated between him and his younger sister. However, Mo Jiahui remained composed throughout the event, chatting with Little Sister Huo and occasionally exchanging words with Huo Luo, showing no signs of embarrassment. This led everyone to wonder if there was already an understanding within the Huo family, perhaps indicating that the two of them were already deeply in love.
Madam Huo was beaming with joy. In these past few days, Huo Luo hadn’t resisted, and they felt like things were falling into place. Meanwhile, Mo Jiahui had already dropped enough hints. Although she hadn’t explicitly agreed or refused, it felt like things were heading in the right direction.
As the most dignified elder of the Huo family was about to speak, everyone held their breath nervously.
Yue Chen watched everything from afar, slowly lowering his eyelids to suppress the surge of anger within him. His grip on the wine glass tightened to the point of almost shattering it. He was waiting for the final answer. If the marriage was announced successful today, then there would be no chance left for him and Huo Luo.
However, suddenly, Huo Luo stood up preemptively, interrupting the old lady’s attempt to rise.
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